Sasaki Plan Selected for the Beijing National Creative Cluster

Sasaki's recently completed master plan for the National Creative Cluster in Beijing has been selected as the preferred scheme for development of the project. Located adjacent to the Songzhuang Arts District, NCC is planned as one of the city's most significant upcoming developments. The Sasaki plan establishes NCC as a new knowledge hub for the city, integrating incubator and start-up companies with other creative industries into a mixed-use district designed to foster innovation and fresh ideas. Sasaki will continue to be involved in the project by working closely with the client and the Beijing Planning Institute to create a detailed control plan for the development.

The design team presented to an expert panel in Beijing on April 9, and was recently notified of the decision to move forward with the Sasaki plan. "The National Creative Cluster symbolizes Beijing's transition from a 'Made in China' to a 'Designed in China' economy," says Michael Grove, principal on the project. "We are excited to help design a new district that is explicitly focused on knowledge, creativity, and innovation and that will help to strengthen the city's competitive edge in China and in the region."

Further participation in the development of NCC is an exciting step as Sasaki continues to strengthen its presence in China. The firm opened an office in Shanghai this year to support ongoing and future projects.